Greg Heil

Greg began mountain biking in 2005, and since then, the pursuit of singletrack has taken him around the world. While Greg first started adding trail reviews to Singletracks in 2008, his career in mountain bike media officially began in 2010. He started writing for Singletracks in 2011 while simultaneously finishing his formal secondary education in writing and publication. Greg has the distinction of being the first employee that Singletracks ever hired, and he went on to serve for seven years, including five years in the Editor in Chief role. After a six-year hiatus, Greg is back at Singletracks, serving in the Managing Editor role.

While Greg has reviewed innumerable mountain bikes and products over the years, his true passion lies in writing about mountain bike trails and destinations. Greg has ridden over 8,000 trails and visited 21 countries (and counting). He recently spent four years traveling full-time, including two spent living in a camper van with his wife, Christine. In between epic trips, he now resides in Durango, Colorado.

Author snapshot

MTB Background and expertise

  • Riding experience: Primarily trail and enduro, with experience including endurance XC, bikepacking, downhill, and gravel riding.
  • Mountain biking since: 2005
  • Number of trails ridden: 8,000+
  • Number of countries visited: 21+
  • Current stable: Pivot Switchblade V3, Pivot Vault, Scott Big Jon

Education and writing experience

  • Bachelors of Arts, English: Writing and Publication, University of North Georgia
  • Other publications: Strava, FATMAP, Dirt Rag Magazine, MTB Project, Hiking Project, GearJunkie, Outside 365
 
A panoramic view of rugged mountains under a cloudy sky, showcasing a range of peaks and valleys. The landscape features a mix of rocky surfaces, green valleys, and varying shades of brown and gray on the mountainside, creating a dramatic natural scene.
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A winding dirt path through a lush green forest, lined with tall, slender trees. The scene captures the rich foliage of the undergrowth and the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. The trail meanders along a hillside, inviting exploration in a serene natural setting.
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Alt text: A black and white image featuring two mountain bikers riding on a grassy slope, with a ski lift visible in the background. The text overlay reads "FIVE 2 RIDE VICTORIA" in large, bold letters, with a red location pin icon incorporated into the design.
A mountain biker navigates a rocky trail surrounded by lush green hills and distant mountains, wearing a helmet and a backpack. Colorful wildflowers are visible along the path, and the sky is overcast.
A black and red Trek bicycle frame featuring a rear suspension system. The design showcases a sleek and modern aesthetic, highlighting the craftsmanship and materials used in the construction of the frame.
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A mountain biker riding along a dirt trail surrounded by blooming purple flowers and tall green trees under a partly cloudy sky. The scene captures the beauty of nature and outdoor activity.
A mountain biker in a green outfit and red helmet performs a trick on a rocky trail surrounded by trees. The biker is leaning into a turn, with the bike tilted against the rocky terrain under a blue sky.
A mountain biker in a green and white jersey and a red helmet navigates a rocky trail, leaning into a turn on uneven terrain surrounded by trees and boulders.
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A group of people hiking up a grassy hill under a cloudy sky. The trail leads up the slope, and participants are wearing various outdoor gear, including helmets and backpacks. The landscape features tall grass and some wildflowers, with mountains visible in the background.
A scenic view of rolling hills covered in lush greenery and dense coniferous forests, with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky. A single person is seen walking along a winding trail that navigates through the landscape.
A wooded path in a forest, overlaid with the text "FIVE 2 RIDE RHODE ISLAND" in bold letters, featuring a location pin graphic around the number "2." The image has a black-and-white filter with natural elements visible in the background.
A mountain biker riding down a rocky terrain and navigating steep inclines, with a cloudy sky in the background. The rider is wearing a helmet and backpack, showcasing an adventurous outdoor activity.
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A scenic landscape featuring a mountainous backdrop with a cloudy sky, overlaid with the text "FIVE 2 RIDE" and "SOUTH AFRICA." A location pin symbol is incorporated into the design, emphasizing the theme of travel or adventure.
Two mountain bikes are displayed in a grassy area, showcasing their sturdy frames, large tires, and prominent branding. The bikes are positioned side by side, featuring bold colors with orange accents and prominent logos. In the background, a series of tents and flags are visible, indicating a cycling event or expo.
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A mountain biker performs a jump off a dirt ramp, soaring over a grassy hillside with a steep drop-off below. The landscape is lush and green, emphasizing the outdoor setting of the action shot. A play button indicates that this is a video.
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A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail with a scenic view of a valley and mountains in the background. The cyclist, wearing a helmet and sunglasses, is focused and in motion, with a backpack secured on his back. The sky is clear and blue, highlighting the outdoor adventure setting.
Image of a forest scene in black and white, featuring tall trees and greenery. Overlaid with the text "FIVE 2 RIDE" in large white letters and "SOUTH CAROLINA" in smaller font, accompanied by a red location pin shape around the number "2."
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A lush, green forest path lined with a moss-covered stone wall. In the background, a blurred figure on a bicycle rides along the trail, surrounded by trees and foliage. The scene captures the tranquility of nature and outdoor activity.
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A mountain biker rides along rocky terrain with trees in the background, overlooking a cityscape with buildings and a Ferris wheel in the distance. The sky is partly cloudy, and the rider is dressed in colorful cycling gear.
Three mountain bikers navigate rocky terrain on a hillside, with a scenic view of a town and lush greenery in the background. The cyclists are wearing helmets and protective gear, showcasing an active outdoor adventure on a bright day.
Two mountain bikers riding on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. A white painted sign on the rock indicates a trail for ladies, with arrows pointing in the direction of the path. The scene is set against a clear sky and the ocean in the background.
A modern mountain bike with a sleek black frame, featuring robust tires and a shock-absorbing front fork, positioned on a stone with greenery and trees in the background.
Image of a waterfront scene featuring charming red wooden houses with white trim. In the background, amusement park rides, including roller coasters and a Ferris wheel, are visible against a moody sky. The reflection of the buildings can be seen in the water, creating a picturesque setting.
A mountain biker wearing a yellow jacket rides on a dirt path through a lush, green forest, surrounded by tall trees and layered rock formations.
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Two hikers walking along a narrow trail through a lush green landscape, surrounded by rolling hills and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
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A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail in a lush green forest, surrounded by trees and ferns. The rider is wearing a helmet and cycling gear while maintaining balance on the bike. Natural sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a vibrant, outdoor setting.
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Three mountain bikers resting on the grass after a ride, with two bicycles lying nearby. One cyclist in green shorts is sitting and appearing relaxed, while another is enjoying a snack. The third cyclist is holding a phone, possibly taking a photo. In the background, a group of people can be seen near a fountain and a large building surrounded by greenery.
A mountain biker riding along a trail through grassy hills, surrounded by a scenic landscape of rolling mountains beneath a clear blue sky. The sun is setting, casting a warm golden light over the scene.
A bright orange mountain bike with blue accents, featuring a full suspension frame, wide tires, and disc brakes. The bike is shown from the side, highlighting its sleek design and components.
A pair of black sunglasses with reflective orange lenses resting on a rocky surface, set against a blurred outdoor background.
A cyclist performing a trick on top of a vintage airplane, surrounded by green grass and a cloudy sky. The aircraft is partially covered in graffiti and is positioned in an open field, with some vehicles visible in the background.
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Mountain bike featuring a black and orange design, with thick, knobby tires and a sleek frame. The bike includes dual suspension forks and a modern gear system, suitable for off-road terrain.
A scenic view of a meadow and hills with the text "FIVE 2 RIDE SOUTH DAKOTA" overlaid. The design features a red location pin around the number 2, suggesting a theme of exploration or adventure in South Dakota. The image is predominantly in black and white, highlighting the vastness of the landscape.
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A cyclist performing an acrobatic trick while jumping off a tree in a park, with trees and a road visible in the background. The scene captures a dynamic moment, showcasing the cyclist mid-air against a backdrop of bare trees and distant buildings.
A narrow mountain bike trail along a rocky cliff, with a steep drop to the left and surrounding rock formations. The view shows the edge of the trail, emphasizing the rugged terrain and the shadow of the cyclist. A play button icon indicates that the image is part of a video.
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Mountain bikers navigating rocky terrain in a forested area, with one rider in motion in the foreground and another in the background. The scene captures a sense of adventure and speed among natural obstacles.
A cyclist wearing a blue helmet and sunglasses stands in a grassy area, examining a map. He has a black backpack and is dressed in a green cycling jersey with the logo of the International Mountain Bicycling Association. In the background, there are rolling hills and a clear blue sky with fluffy clouds. A dirt path winds through the landscape.
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A cyclist performing a jump on a dirt bike trail, surrounded by trees and string lights. The rider is wearing a blue helmet and a black long-sleeve shirt, with a bike featuring purple accents. In the background, another person on a bike is visible, along with a dirt track.
A scenic forest trail in South Korea, depicted in black and white, with the text "FIVE 2 RIDE" and a location pin graphic overlaid in red, reading "SOUTH KOREA."
A black backpack with the logo "POC" and "VPD 20" on it, resting on a rugged stone surface in a natural outdoor setting with sparse vegetation and rocky terrain.
An orange ski goggles resting on green grass, featuring a white adjustable strap with the brand name prominently displayed. The lenses are reflective, showcasing a golden hue.
A mountain bike lies on its side in a forested area, surrounded by trees and safety barriers. The ground is covered in dirt and fallen leaves, indicating a biking trail or obstacle course. The bike features a blue frame and is partially hidden among the trees. Safety padding in red and black is placed around some trees, suggesting a downhill biking event.
A group of three mountain bikers is gathered in a wooded area. One cyclist, wearing a blue jersey and black shorts, is leaning over his bike while another cyclist in a black shirt offers assistance. A third cyclist stands nearby, observing, and is dressed in casual biking gear. The scene captures a moment of bike maintenance or adjustment in an outdoor setting.
A winding dirt path through a wooded area, lined with rocks and covered in fallen leaves. The scene features bare trees with a mixture of branches and some remaining foliage, set against a backdrop of a gently sloping hill.
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An outdoor rocky landscape in black and white, featuring the text "FIVE 2 RIDE" with a location pin emblem, and "TEXAS, USA" beneath it.
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A cyclist in a white and black jersey, wearing sunglasses and a helmet, intensely focuses while riding a bike. The background features lush greenery. Text overlay reads, "YOU RIDE. WE PAY. It's almost like being PRO. Connect with STRAVA."
Map depicting the 2014 Best Bike Parks in North America, as presented by MTBparks.com. The map highlights various regions including Western Canada, the Northwest, the Southwest, the Rocky Mountains, the Midwest, the Northeast, and the Mid-Atlantic/Southeast, with notable bike parks marked and ranked across these areas. Each region is color-coded, and a badge indicates the "Riders’ Choice Awards."
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A silhouette of a mountain biker riding on a trail at sunset, surrounded by desert vegetation, including cacti and low shrubs. The sun is setting on the horizon, casting warm light across the landscape and creating a vibrant, picturesque scene.